A woman previously claimed her husband divorced her in front of witnesses, who then denied it. If she later says her husband died, what is the ruling?
Halacha 1: Because she previously made false statements to free herself from the marriage, she is classified as a liar and her testimony is rejected.
Question 2
A woman says her husband died during a war. Under what specific condition is her testimony accepted?
Halacha 2: If she says he died in bed — not involved in combat — her word is accepted, because we do not fear she confused his death with the general carnage.
Question 3
A Jew says: 'I killed so and so.' May the deceased's wife remarry on the basis of his statement?
Halacha 10: We accept his testimony that the man died, since his self-incriminating portion cannot be used against him.
Question 4
A man fell into a cistern (bounded body of water) and did not emerge. What is required before testimony of his death may be offered?
Halacha 16: Witnesses must remain for a period beyond which survival is impossible and confirm the man never emerged.
Question 5
Why did our Sages accept single-witness testimony, servants, and casual gentile statements to permit remarriage?
Halacha 29: Unlike other legal matters, death can ultimately be verified — if the man is alive, he will reappear and the false witness will be exposed.